Chamber: Car fee would hurt commuters

Last week, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and City Councilman David Weprin voiced their opposition to congestion pricing – a plan that charges a fee for drivers to enter the most crowded areas of Manhattan during weekdays – saying the economic impact would be devastating.
According to the Chamber’s study, Queens and the other outer boroughs would experience a tremendous loss in revenue with Queens potentially carrying the heaviest burden because its residents account for 40 percent of the people who drive into work in Manhattan.
Congestion pricing is based on a model implemented in London three years ago and would charge vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street a fee hoping to decrease the amount of traffic in the area. The London system charges private vehicles the equivalent of $14 to enter central London during the week from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Although the London model has decreased vehicular traffic, according to the Chamber’s study, implementing a similar model in New York City could result in a loss nearly $2.7 billion each year in business revenue.
“The study commissioned by the Chamber shows us very clearly how the London model would be devastating to the city’s economy,” said City Councilman David Weprin.
Currently, the Transportation Alternatives and Partnership for New York City have announced support for a congestion price plan, and the Partnership expects to release a study sometime in the next two months outlining different alternatives to decrease congestion.
“As the city’s largest business group, the Partnership would never advocate for any proposal that could hurt businesses or workers,” said Brian Mahanna, Director of Communications for the Partnership. “But New York’s traffic situation is unsustainable, and we need to start thinking of creative solutions. That’s why our congestion relief study is looking at a variety of options, including dedicated bus lanes, additional ferries and expansion of mass transportation options, as well as congestion pricing.”
In addition to the lost revenues, other inconveniences and problems would likely arise, specifically for the outer boroughs.
“Congestion pricing in Manhattan would transfer congestion to the already overly congested streets of the other four boroughs,” said Chamber President Raymond Irrera. Irrera also pointed out that the current Queens mass transit system is already overcrowded.